Super checkpoints will be placed on Irish motorways over the coming months in a bid to snare dangerous drivers and criminal gangs.

The Garda Christmas Enforcement campaign was launched today in the capital and will now be rolled out across the country.

The main objective of this operation is to increase the awareness of fatal and serious injury road traffic collisions.

However gardai have also revealed that they will be targeting crime gangs who use the network as getaway routes.

Assistant Commissioner John Twomey said that by policing motorway routes leading to/from high residential areas gardai will be denying criminals unchallenged use of the motorway network.

Speaking at a checkpoint on the M1 Motorway A-Comm Twomey said: “The tragic fact is that 177 people won’t get the opportunity to sit down and enjoy the Christmas festivities with family and friends this year.

“The vast majority of fatal road traffic incidents are caused by human error, something that someone does or fails to do.

“Last month alone, 677 drivers were arrested for Driving under the influence of an intoxicant. In this day and age it is totally unacceptable that 677 people made that decision to drink and drive.”

To date in 2013 over 400,000 drivers have been breath tested and whilst the vast majority are compliant and fit to drive, over 7,200 drivers were caught.

In addition to enforcement activity, there will be a number of safety initiatives targeting vulnerable road users, including the distribution of nearly 30,000 items of RSA hi viz material to pedestrians and cyclists nationwide (currently ongoing).

Commissioner Twomey added: ”We specifically ask all pedestrians to make sure they are visible when out walking, especially in rural or poorly lit areas.

"Furthermore, if out socialising, plan a safe way to get home and make sure you are fit to walk if you have consumed alcohol.

"Drivers also need to be extra vigilant and watch out for pedestrians”.